OMAGH BOMB JUDGE ORDERS INVESTIGATION
Omagh bomb judge briers investigation
THE JUDGE in the Omagh bomb trial has ordered an immediate investigation to be carried out to ascertain why some statements from witnesses in the trial were altered, and the originals lost.
Speaking on day 35 of the trial of South Armagh man, Sean Hoey, Mr. Justice Weir said there were 'no grounds for delay'.
Hoey, aged 37, who is from Jonesborough, denies all 58 terrorism charges against him relating to Real IRA attacks, including the 1998 atrocity -which saw 29 civilians perish.
His trial has already heard allegations that statements - one from a police officer, and the other a Scenes of Crime specialist - had been 'beefed up' to give the impression that forensic precautions had been taken at an explosives find. However, their original statements have now been lost.
The court heard within the past week from Detective Chief Superintendent Norman Baxter, who is heading up the Omagh enquiry, that since the evidence had emerged, he had discussions with the Police Ombudsman's Office - but it was felt inappropriate to investigate further while the trial was ongoing.
Mr. Justice Weir said there was no reason for delay, and any investigation he said would not have an impact on the trial.
He added that it should be 'pressed on with all dispatch', and warned Mr. Baxter that the impression should not be given to the Police Ombudsman that the continuing trial was a reason for delay.
The case continues.
THE JUDGE in the Omagh bomb trial has ordered an immediate investigation to be carried out to ascertain why some statements from witnesses in the trial were altered, and the originals lost.
Speaking on day 35 of the trial of South Armagh man, Sean Hoey, Mr. Justice Weir said there were 'no grounds for delay'.
Hoey, aged 37, who is from Jonesborough, denies all 58 terrorism charges against him relating to Real IRA attacks, including the 1998 atrocity -which saw 29 civilians perish.
His trial has already heard allegations that statements - one from a police officer, and the other a Scenes of Crime specialist - had been 'beefed up' to give the impression that forensic precautions had been taken at an explosives find. However, their original statements have now been lost.
The court heard within the past week from Detective Chief Superintendent Norman Baxter, who is heading up the Omagh enquiry, that since the evidence had emerged, he had discussions with the Police Ombudsman's Office - but it was felt inappropriate to investigate further while the trial was ongoing.
Mr. Justice Weir said there was no reason for delay, and any investigation he said would not have an impact on the trial.
He added that it should be 'pressed on with all dispatch', and warned Mr. Baxter that the impression should not be given to the Police Ombudsman that the continuing trial was a reason for delay.
The case continues.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1859
Published Date: 30-Nov-06
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